Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
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The Effect of Training and Phone Counselling Provided to Hypertension Patients on their Medication Adherence and Rational Drug Use: A Single-blind Randomised Controlled Trial
No full textBackground: Hypertension is a chronic disease characterised by high blood pressure, which is an important public health problem that causes serious complications. It is very important to provide training and remote telephone counselling to patients for them to comply with the drug treatment of hypertension disease and to comply with the principles of rational drug use.
Aim: This study aimed to define the effect of training and phone counselling provided to hypertension patients on their medication adherence and rational drug use.
Methods: The study was conducted randomised controlled as a single-blind experimental study between July 2021 and June 2022. The study universe consisted of hypertension patients admitted to hospital, and the sample consisted of 92 patients. The block randomisation method was used. The study data were collected using a Patient Identification Form; the Medication Adherence Self-efficacy Scale; and the Rational Drug Use Scale. The experimental group received training once, in addition to a total of four phone counsellings (week 2-4-8-12).
Results: According to the group-by-time interaction of control/experimental group patients, a statistical difference was found between the median scores of the Medication Adherence Self-efficacy Scale and the Rational Drug Use Scale (p<0.001). The pre-test median of the Medication Adherence Self-efficacy Scale of the experimental group patients was 30.00, and the post-test median was 46.00. The pre-test median of the Rational Drug Use Scale of the experimental group patients was 43.00, and the post-test median was 68.00.
Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that the application of education and telephone counselling to hypertension patients increased patients’ medication compliance and rational drug use. In systolic-diastolic blood pressure levels, which are critical for hypertension patients, it was determined that the application of education and telephone counselling significantly decreased the blood pressure of patients
Factors Contributing to Work Stress among Nurses in Hadiya Zone’s Public Hospitals, Central Ethiopia
No full textBackground: Stress in nurses refers to the reactions nurses experience when faced with work demands that exceed their knowledge, skills, or ability to cope. Nursing, as a profession, is particularly susceptible to work-related stress.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 randomly selected nurses working in Hadiya Zone public hospitals from March 1 to 30, 2023. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The data were entered using Epi-data version 3.1, and analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the level of work stress. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: In this study, 56% (95% CI 50.9-61.2) of the participants reported being stressed in their work. Several factors were found to be associated with work stress, including being female (AOR=1.94, 95% CI 1.19-3.16), rotating shifts (AOR=2.06, 95% CI 1.31-3.25), working in the intensive care unit (AOR=3.42, 95% CI 1.20-9.73), and having post-basic training (AOR=0.55, 95% CI 0.34-0.92).
Conclusion: The study revealed a high level of work stress among nurses in the study area. The zonal health unit takes measures to address work stress by providing job orientation during the hiring process, rotation, and on-the-job training to help nurses cope with and manage stressful events. Stress in public hospitals and among nurses is an important issue that needs urgent attention
Identifying Barriers, Facilitators, and Outcomes of Iranian Men’s Participation in Pregnancy and Childbirth Care: A Scoping Review
No full textBackground: Men’s involvement in pregnancy and childbirth care is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the child. However, in many countries, the importance of men’s participation in women’s and babies’ health is undervalued. The study aimed to conduct a scoping review of Iranian studies focusing on men’s involvement in pregnancy and childbirth care.
Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O\u27Malley’s six-step scoping review framework and PRISMA guidelines. The systematic search was conducted in various databases, including Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science, as well as Iranian databases like Magiran, Iran Medex, and SID, and the Google Scholar search engine, aimed to identify all relevant studies on the participation of Iranian men in the perinatal period from 2000 to 17 July 2023.
Results: A total of 19 studies were included in the analysis. The two researchers extracted the data separately. The opinions of two other researchers were used to resolve the disagreement between the two researchers. The data were divided into two overall categories. A- Types of studies and B- Barriers, facilitators, and consequences of men’s participation in the perinatal period qualitative data were extracted from the main studies. Thematic synthesis was used for the final stages of the analysis.
Conclusion: The participation of Iranian men in the perinatal period seems weak. To promote men’s involvement in the perinatal period, it is important to address cultural norms and societal expectations that may discourage men from getting involved. Education and awareness campaigns can help challenge these norms and emphasise the important role that men play in supporting maternal and child health
What Was the Role of the Dutch Reformed Church and Land in Identity Formation on Klipfontein Farm?
No full textHistorically, the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) or Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk (NGK) was at the centre of the Afrikaner dynamic, legitimising white Afrikaner nationalist ideals. The strong connection between the DRC (hereafter the church) and the nationalist government meant that the church was the spiritual link to the then ruling National Party for most Afrikaners, justifying the racially based policies and actions of the government. Paradoxically, it was this same church and its teachings that would also be adopted by “coloured” or “brown” Afrikaners to help establish their own group identity. It developed into a mechanism that helped the Klipfontein community, in Eastern Cape, South Africa, in establishing an identity which they could assert against the (white) authorities and neighbours when their right to occupation of Klipfontein was threatened. Thus, a spiritual connection with the land was formed and developed through biblical teachings and rituals. In recent years, a revivalism in Khoe-San identity and its popularity has seemingly threatened this identity. In a country like South Africa, where land and land (dis)possession are perpetual points of contention, Klipfonteiners have adopted an identity that is inextricably linked to their land. Using primary sources, such as archival documentation and interviews conducted with Klipfonteiners as well as those who have dealt directly with Klipfonteiners, and secondary sources dealing with South African coloured identity and the church, this article seeks to address the pivotal role which the church and religion have played in the formation of an identity that seeks to protect Klipfonteiners’ rights to the land from external and internal forces
Will Employees and Technology Continue to Coexist Despite Historic Tensions?
No full textIn developed economies, the integration of technology into the labour force has largely led to massive job losses, and workers have met this with stiff resistance. This has changed the dynamics of industrial relations in this era of digital age. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways in which digitalisation has been affecting human labour in workplaces in South Africa and what can be done to enable employees–technology coexistence. In the study, I used qualitative data-collection methods—interviews, observation and document collection. I used purposive and convenience sampling to select the participants. Analysis of the collected data yielded six major findings. The major tenets of these findings were that digitalisation leads to job losses in South Africa and that the country was not sufficiently preparing students and workers for human–machine collaboration. Although the study was intended to focus on various sectors of the South African economy, I was more biased towards the local banking sector. This could be viewed as a limitation of this study. The study made practical and methodological contributions. It also made an essential contribution to digital transformation theory and employee relations body of knowledge. A major recommendation is that policymakers should mitigate against technology shocks and uneven geographical phenomenon by connecting major commercial hubs with major labour market hubs. Future studies should focus on the impact of technology on employees in each economic sector in South Africa
Investigating the Prevalence of Gender Stereotypes in a South African Mine
No full textThe existence of gender stereotypes is a common phenomenon. Pressure on organisations to establish workforce diversity evolves constantly. However, diversity encourages stereotyping. Once organisations know the stereotypes, they will be able to manage these more effectively. The main aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of gender stereotypes in a mine in South Africa. Limited research has been undertaken to date on the existence of gender stereotypes in the South African mining industry. A sample of 39 employees from a South African mine was selected and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analysed by means of content analysis. Most of the employees who were interviewed understood the concept of gender stereotypes. The most prevalent stereotypes that were found were in-group stereotypes, out-group stereotypes and perceived in- and out-group stereotypes (meta stereotypes). The existence of gender stereotypes in a mine can be managed through establishing various interventions to assist employees to confront their own stereotypes and valuing employees for their contribution and not according to the gender group they belong to. This study adds to the literature and knowledge of gender stereotypes. Limited studies have been conducted on gender stereotypes in South African mines. The information obtained in this study provides insight into the stereotypes that should be managed in the South African mining industry
Strategic Marketing Alignment-Competitive Advantage Nexus: Green Entrepreneurship Path in SMEs
No full textPurpose: This study investigated strategic marketing alignment (SMA) and competitive advantage (CA) in SMEs with an emphasis on the moderating role of green entrepreneurship (GE). By focusing on sustainability, resources, and capabilities, light is shed on the importance of GE for the success of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive cross-sectional design with a quantitative research approach relying on structured questionnaires is employed. The data collection resulted in a total of 250 filled-out questionnaires. Participants were SME owners and managers in manufacturing, and other sectors around Buffalo City Metropolitan, East London.
Findings: The results indicated that the relationship between SMA and SME CA was not statistically significant (p = 0.702) while SMA had a significant positive impact on GE. The results supported the positive and direct effect of GE on CA. The results highlighted a complete moderation of GE on SMA and SME CA.
Managerial/Policy implications: Management of SMEs can take advantage of ecological sustainability. SMEs’ use of GE as their dynamic capabilities can enhance competitiveness and increase potential opportunities. SME organisational culture may affect green entrepreneurship and competitive advantage interaction.
Originality/Value: As a unique study bridging the gap between research and practice, the study delves further into encouraging SME managers and owners to align with ecological practices and comply with the environment in which they operate through sustainable practices to increase chances of differentiation and competitiveness
Gukurahundi Crimes Against Humanity in Zimbabwe? An Evaluative Investigation
No full textBetween 1983 and 1986, the Zimbabwean government deployed the 5th Brigade of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) to the provinces of Matabeleland and Midlands in an operation known as Gukurahundi. The stated aim of the Brigade’s operation was to combat dissidents—armed groups of men, comprising former ZIPRA combatants who had deserted the ZNA alleging that they were being discriminated against and attacked within the ZNA. Also, there were allegations that some were even killed. Instead, the 5th Brigade committed heinous atrocities against civilians in the two provinces. Within six weeks of arriving in Matabeleland North, 2, 000 civilians had been killed. Thousands more were raped, tortured, enforcedly disappeared and their homesteads and property burnt and destroyed. In four years, an estimated 20, 000 people had been killed in an operation covering Matabeleland and Midlands. Despite being presented with documented evidence of atrocities, including through its own Chihambakwe Commission of Enquiry on the disturbances in Matabeleland, the government of Zimbabwe denied that its army had committed atrocities and refused to publish the Commission’s findings. A political settlement between ZANU and ZAPU in 1987 ended the atrocities. The perpetrators of atrocities were pardoned, and there was no accountability or justice for victims. This article examines the Gukurahundi atrocities and evaluates whether they meet the requirements of crimes against humanity (CAH) under international law. The article has three objectives. First, to provide an overview of crimes against humanity, including their origins and historical evolution and development. Second, to examine the contextual, physical and mental elements of CAH. Finally, to evaluate whether the Gukurahundi atrocities meet the legal requirements for the enumerated acts of crimes against humanity. The prohibition of CAH carries an international obligation to investigate, prosecute and punish the crimes. If the 5th Brigade is found to have committed CAH, the perpetrators are liable to be investigated, prosecuted and punished under international law
From Sustainable Development to Ecologically Sustainable Development: A Reappraisal of Section 24(b)(iii) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996
No full textThis paper offers a conceptual analysis of ecologically sustainable development in contrast to sustainable development. The analysis focuses on ecologically sustainable development as encapsulated in section 24(b)(iii) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The paper argues that ecologically sustainable development denotes preserving earth’s ecological systems. The paper further argues that ecologically sustainable development, as contained in section 24(b)(iii) of the Constitution, requires a shift from the ambiguous concept of sustainable development to ecologically sustainable development. The paper highlights the importance of prioritising environmental concerns when considering economic or social development. In essence, the study emphasises that ecologically sustainable development, as embedded in section 24(b)(iii), seeks to sustain the environment and not development activities. The paper concludes that ecologically sustainable development is a vehicle for facilitating the necessary paradigm shift required for better environmental protection as per section 24(b)(iii)
Between Islam and International Law: Quest for Common Ground and the Human Dignity Alternative
No full textThis paper seeks to find common ground between Islamic legalism and international law and develop a framework for accommodating the diverse heritage of Islamic legal thought within modern rule-of-law systems. Extrapolating from textual references, treaty norms, state practices as well as opinions of jurists and publicists across the Islamic and international law divide, this paper identifies human dignity as a critical area of common ground between these traditions, to stimulate a pragmatic debate that can nurture critical responses across traditions. While recognising that human dignity remains an area of international human rights law engendering robust debates and sometimes controversy about its content and application, this paper nonetheless argues that an opportunity exists for members of both Muslim and non-Muslim societies to come together as one global community to identify specific rights and obligations where Islamic law and international law can be reconciled and appropriately applied. The principle underpinning this paper’s approach is to adopt a reorientation in curriculum and pedagogical approaches that facilitates the exploration of shared values between two complex and highly nuanced legal traditions in a pragmatic way that deconstructs the narrow confines within which international law has been understood